balkline

[ bawk-lahyn ]

/ ˈbɔkˌlaɪn /

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Sports. (in track events) the starting line.

Billiards.

a straight line drawn across the table behind which the cue balls are placed in beginning a game.
any of four lines, each near to and parallel with one side of the cushion, that divide the table into a large central panel or section and eight smaller sections or balks lying between these.
a balk lying inside one of these sections.
balk (def. 11).

QUIZZES

Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between it’s and its in this crafty quiz!

Question 1 of 12

On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

First recorded in 1830–40; balk + line¹